Legislators must understand changes in country's digital governance policy architecture, says Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman
Aug 21, 2023
Udaipur (Rajasthan) [India], August 21 : Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha, Harivansh Singh stressed the need for serious consideration of digital interventions to raise governance standards in this technology-driven era. He was addressing the inaugural ceremony of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association meeting.
In the context of international development, he noted that India is often perceived as a low-middle-income developing economy despite its journey towards becoming a developed nation.
The Deputy Chairman acknowledged the challenges and opportunities that technology presents. He said that the advent of technology has enabled governments to combat corruption and ensure that benefits reach the deserving. There is a need to understand the importance of regional languages in adopting digital services and effective grievance redressal systems, he said.
Harivansh emphasized the importance of innovative ideas and experience-sharing in contributing to good governance and shared that presiding officers play a crucial role in enriching the quality of debates and dialogues through valuable interventions.
He urged legislators to understand the changes in the country's digital governance policy architecture and connected this to the conference's broader goal of strengthening democratic institutions.
The Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman said that by providing efficient services to citizens, governments foster trust and strengthen democracy. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ambition was to transform India into a developed nation by 2047. For this, embracing new technology and visionary digital policies are essential to achieve this goal.
Harivansh stressed the need for greater awareness and capacity building among elected representatives and governments. He emphasized that good governance is a collective responsibility.
It is notable that the ninth Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Conference is being organised in Udaipur, Rajasthan. The conference serves as a platform to discuss serious challenges facing legislators and reflects on the role of legislative bodies in promoting good governance.
The theme of the two-day Conference is “Strengthening Democracy and good governance in digital age”. During the Conference, Presiding of State Legislatures –Chairpersons, Speakers, Deputy Chairpersons, Deputy Speakers – will brainstorm on the two topics.
The Conference will conclude on Tuesday, 22 August 2023 with the valedictory address of Vice-President of India and Chairman of Rajya Sabha Jagdeep Dhankhar. Rajasthan Governor, Kalraj Mishra and other dignitaries will grace the valedictory session.
